The letters reveal Nirod's unique relationship with his guru. The exchanges are suffused with a special humour.
Sri Aurobindo : corresp.
Nirodbaran's correspondence with Sri Aurobindo began in February 1933 and continued till November 1938, when Sri Aurobindo injured his leg and Nirod became one of his attendants. The entire correspondence, which was carried on in three separate notebooks according to topics - private, medical, and literary - is presented in chronological order, revealing the unique relationship Nirod enjoyed with his guru, replete with free and frank exchanges and liberal doses of humour. Covering a wide range of topics, both serious and light-hearted, these letters reveal the infinite care Sri Aurobindo devoted to the spiritual development of his disciple.
THEME/S
Do you think I should allow myself these moods of recreation or occasional enjoyments? I think, there is a little craving for a cup of tea associated with it.
You can if you feel the need.
July 4, 1933
R asks me to take some food outside. I am rather tempted. But should I?
You do not expect the Mother to give sanction for these things? Those who take food outside, do it on their own responsibility.
July 14, 1933
I find that French grammar is very annoying. Will it not be better to read for the present some easy story books?
If you like. But if you do not learn the grammar, you will never know French well.
July 15, 1933
Dilip is giving lessons on rhythm. I intend to learn, but I think there is hardly any poetry in me.
You can learn it—it is easy enough to learn.
July 23, 1933
I offered to work in Nagin's vegetable garden. Should I try at least?
Yes, you can try.
July 28, 1933
[About a personal problem]
There is nothing unusual in your feelings towards X. It is the way that vital love usually takes when there is no strong psychic force to correct and uphold it. After the first vital glow is over, the incompatibility of the two egos begins to show itself and there is more and more strain in the relations—for one or both the demands of the other become intolerable to the vital part, there is constant irritation and the claim is felt as a burden and a yoke. The other elements of which you speak have nothing to do with this particular relation, they could have existed in a purely mental friendship or psychic relation without any vital demand on either side. Naturally in a life of sadhana there is no room for vital relations—they are a stumbling block preventing the wholesale turning of the nature towards the Divine.
July 29, 1933
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